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Greece · Trip plan

3 days in Athens

The Acropolis without summer crowds, and tavernas in Plaka.

Best time
Oct – Nov, Mar – May
Ideal length
3 days
A day, mid-range
$180 per person
Trip for two
about $1,080

Planning a 3-day trip to Athens? Here's a day-by-day Athens itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

Autumn is warm enough for outdoor dining and much cooler for climbing the Acropolis than summer.

Athens is the birthplace of democracy, a buzzing city of ancient ruins, street art and great food.

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar: a good time to go
  4. Apr: a good time to go
  5. May: a good time to go
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct: a good time to go
  11. Nov: a good time to go
  12. Dec

October to November: 15–23°C.

Create my Athens trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in Athens

  • 01

    Acropolis

    The Parthenon above the city.

  • 02

    Acropolis Museum

    The finest Greek sculpture.

  • 03

    Plaka

    Old lanes below the Acropolis.

  • 04

    Cape Sounion

    The Temple of Poseidon at sunset.

Day by day

Athens itinerary for 3 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: The Acropolis

    Morning
    Climb to the Acropolis at opening to see the Parthenon before the heat and crowds.
    Afternoon
    Visit the Acropolis Museum and its glass-floored excavations.
    Evening
    Dinner in Plaka's old lanes below the Acropolis.

    Bring water and a hat even in autumn.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Agora and markets

    Morning
    Explore the Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus.
    Afternoon
    Central Market, then flea-market shopping in Monastiraki.
    Evening
    Rooftop bar with Acropolis views.

    Monastiraki's rooftops have the best views.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Cape Sounion and home

    Morning
    Drive the coast road to Cape Sounion's Temple of Poseidon.
    Afternoon
    Seafood lunch by the sea.
    Evening
    Fly home.

    Sunset at Sounion is spectacular if your flight is late.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Athens in 2, 3 or 5 days

2 days in Athens

Follow days 1 to 2 above and leave out “Cape Sounion and home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

5 days in Athens

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.

What it costs

Athens trip budget

StylePer person, a day3 days for two
Budget$90$540
Mid-range$180$1,080
Luxury$450+$2,700

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Athens is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Athens for every budget

  • Budget

    Hostels in Psyrri

    Psyrri

    Lively area.

    from $30 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Hotels in Plaka

    Plaka

    Acropolis views.

    from $180 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    Hotel Grande Bretagne

    Syntagma

    Historic luxury.

    from $500 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Athens

  • Souvlaki

    Grilled meat in pitta.

  • Moussaka

    Layered aubergine bake.

  • Loukoumades

    Honey doughnuts.

Getting there

How to reach Athens

Travel
Athens airport is 40 minutes by metro.
Getting around
Metro and walking.
  • Visit the Acropolis at opening.
  • A combined ticket covers seven sites.

Before you go

What to pack for Athens

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

Athens trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Athens?

3 days are enough to see the highlights: Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Plaka. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 3-day Athens trip cost?

Roughly $90 a day per person on a budget, $180 mid-range and $450+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $1,080 for 3 days.

What is the best time to visit Athens?

Oct – Nov, Mar – May. Autumn is warm enough for outdoor dining and much cooler for climbing the Acropolis than summer.

Where should I stay in Athens?

Budget: Hostels in Psyrri (Psyrri), from about $30 a night. Mid-range: Hotels in Plaka (Plaka), from about $180 a night. Luxury: Hotel Grande Bretagne (Syntagma), from about $500 a night.

How do I reach Athens?

Athens airport is 40 minutes by metro.

Is 2 days enough for Athens?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 2 of the itinerary above and skip "Cape Sounion and home". 3 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in Athens?

October to November: 15–23°C.

What food should I try in Athens?

Souvlaki: Grilled meat in pitta. Moussaka: Layered aubergine bake. Loukoumades: Honey doughnuts.

How do I get around Athens?

Metro and walking.

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